KUT might drop San Angelo

Lubbock station may broadcast here

The National Public Radio broadcast in San Angelo might change its point of origin - and some of its programming - in the near future.

KUTX-FM (90.1) operated by the University of Texas in Austin is in talks with South Plains Public Radio, the Lubbock public radio affiliate, about picking up the San Angelo broadcast.

"We are very interested in the possibility of getting into San Angelo, especially with ASU being part of the Texas Tech University system," said Derrick Ginter, general manager of KOHM FM-South Plains Public Radio, which is operated by Texas Tech University. "We probably won't know for a few months, though."

Texas Tech administrators are ironing out the details in the event KOHM starts broadcasting in San Angelo. Ginter insisted nothing is solidified and that Texas Tech could pull out of consideration at any moment.

"We've been talking with Texas Tech off and on about whether or not they could operate the station because Tech has more of a direct tie with the community and Angelo State," said Stewart Vanderwilt, general manager of KUT. "We want to do whatever will ensure the long-term public radio service in San Angelo. Working with KOHM and Tech is certainly an option, but what we can't do is divert resources away from what we need to be doing in Austin and Central Texas to support KUTX."

Vanderwilt said KUT has been considering transferring its services since ASU became aligned with Texas Tech in May 2007. KUTX, which has been broadcasting since 1996, was established at a cost of $150,000 and was the first public radio station to serve San Angelo.

"We will probably not be able to keep the eclectic music programming," Ginter said in the event that KOHM did acquire the San Angelo broadcast. "The way the network figures its costs, it would be a separate cost in San Angelo."

Vanderwilt said 80 percent of the funding for KUT comes from a combination of listener contributions and business sponsorships.

"Operating KUTX has somewhat been a drain on our funding and resources," he said. "Ultimately, we think it will be a better service - the station better reflects what's going on in San Angelo by promoting the local events, which we are simply not able to do."

An e-mail has been circulating through San Angelo inboxes pleading for local support to maintain KUTX. The message urges the station's listeners to make donations and to circulate the e-mail to anyone who might not be aware of the possible changes.

"What's disappointing is that Lubbock's talking to Austin and nobody's talking to San Angelo," said Guy Choate, a local attorney who's an avid listener and supporter of KUT.

"I awaken to it every morning," Choate said. "I think San Angelo has an obligation and that we need to step up to the plate and support it - make an effort to keep it here."